A Pope’s Palace and the Pont du Gard

We had a rather more adventurous drive than planned from Tours to Avignon. We realised that not taking the toll roads meant that we would be going through hills and mountains – what we hadn’t realised was that we would hit an unplanned snowfall, and get out first ever experience of driving in snow. No chains, snow tyres and a good half hour of driving at a 10% incline (some of which was behind a log truck) and we were extremely grateful to make it to Avignon unscathed!

We had one full day in Avignon, which we started by trying to drive into the old town. Never, ever try to drive in anything called an “old town”…it’s code for “tiny streets which will leave you stuck at the end of a 1 way street, fighting with each other and stressed out beyond belief as one of you tries to execute a 15 point turn”! Or maybe that’s just us.

Wandering the streets of the old town

Anyway, after we finally found a park, we walked over to the Papal palace, which was amazing. The Papal palace was where the Popes lived from 1309 until their return to Rome. We had lots of fun exploring the palace and the church next door – we could see the Avignon Bridge from the top, which is apparently quite famous. We decided not to go and see it up close, but to instead drive out to the countryside and see the Pont du Gard (pictured above), a massive former Roman aqueduct and bridge. Due to it being freezing and no people around, we even found a free park outside the complex (inside, the bridge is free but parking is nearly 20 Euros). Another benefit of winter travel! We were really impressed by this beautiful bridge.